The Game

AFLW 101

On The ClockThese games are going to be short, sharp and action packed. The quarters will run for 15mins apiece. Time on will be called in the last two minutes of each quarter for all stoppages (probably 20mins all up). When you add in the quarter, half time and three-quarter time breaks, the whole match will be done and dusted in 2hrs.

On The GroundEach team will field 16 a side with most of the players in favour of the change. With a few less out there the game seems to flow better. And fans always love to see the ball moving, efficient scoring and spectacular marks!

On The BenchFive players cooling the bench (and keeping cool) plus two emergencies helps keep the players safer from dangerous heat stress and to keep physical injuries down. As a bonus this keeps almost the whole team in the thick of the action on the day (which is great for everyone).

InterchangeWith the women performing at capacity out there in pretty warm conditions across February and March there are uncapped rotations so players are able to grab needed bench time to cool down and recover.

Ball SizeIt might be hard for the fans to pick it, but the ball is a little smaller with the Sherrin at a size 4. Scientific analysis showed it suited the female bodies better and as a bonus their kicks can fly further too.

Out of Bound / Rushed BehindsAt this level the players must aim to keep the ball in play, so a free kick will be given against a player who Kicks or Handballs the footy over the Boundary Line without it being touched by another Player. The only time this rule doesn’t apply is if a player who isn’t holding the ball stops someone touching the ball before it goes out.

Bye Bye BounceThe traditional bounce is bounced with umpires throwing up the smaller ball instead from centre square and for ball ups.

AFLW: A look at new rules for 2019

The AFLW will take on 8 of the 9 new rules introduced in the AFL in 2019. Because it’s summer footy, we’re not adopting restrictions to runners and water carriers entering the field.

AFLW: A look at new rules for 2019

06:09
Nov 7. 2018. 2:30 PM

The AFL's head of women's football Nicole Livingstone explains how the AFLW competition will be played in 2019

Centre Bounce 5, 6, 5At centre bounces you’ll have 5 players inside both 50m arcs – one of those is required to be in the goal square. In the centre square, there’ll be 4 midfield players, and the wingers will be somewhere along the wing. *Good to note that it’s still being referred to as a centre bounce even though, technically, it will now be a throw.

Centre Bounce 5 | 6 | 5

Kick InsAfter a behind, a player no longer needs to ‘kick-in’ to herself to play on out of the goal square. And, the player on the mark will move 10m away from the top of the goal square – this used to be 5m.

Kick Ins

Marks / Free KicksIf a defender takes a mark, or gets a free kick, within 9 metres of their own goal, then the player on the mark in the attacking team will be brought in line with the top of the goal square.

Umpire ContactTo protect the umpire, free kicks may be paid against players who make contact with the umpire at centre bounces and throw ups.

50 Metre PenatlyMakes for a faster game – the player with the ball can advance the mark by 50 metres immediately without having to wait for the umpire to do it and then re-start play. The player on the mark can’t get in the way, or delay play, or another 50 metre penalty will be paid.

Kicking For Goal Post Siren - Centre Of Goal LineQuarter-time, half-time, full-time – when play ends, if there’s a player who’s taken a mark or been awarded a free kick they can now kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick. They still need to end up in the same place, in line with the player-on-the-mark and the goal, but can start where they like.

Marking ContestThe ‘Hands in the Back’ rule interpretation has been repealed. A player can hold her ground by placing her hands on the back of her opponent in a marking contest. But, she can’t push the player in the back.

Ruck Contests- Prior OpportunityA ruck player who takes possession when contesting a bounce, throw-up, or boundary throw-in, will not be regarded as having had prior opportunity. And, if there’s uncertainty over who the designated ruck is, the ruck for each team will continue to nominate to the field umpire.

RULES INTRODUCED SPECIFIC TO AFLW

Boundary Thrown InsBoundary throw-ins will now happen 10 metres inside the boundary line to land approximately 25 metres into the field of play and create more space for players.

Throw Ins

Last Disposal Between The ArcsIn 2019, the ‘Last Disposal’ rule will apply only in the middle of the ground, between the 50 metre arcs. If a team kicks or handballs the ball out of play from this part of the ground, the other team gets a free kick.

Last Disposal Between The Arcs

W Awards

Don't miss the special edition broadcast of the 2020 W Awards Tuesday 28 April from 7pm AEST